Parking lot is open!

By Hope Wallace

Simple appreciation for something most of us take for granted has become paramount in the last weeks. Yes, parking lots are one of those things most of us take for granted. Over the past weeks trying to figure out how to get to the doors of the art center and picking our way over valleys and bogs of mud has been a challenge, but no more! We now have access to our brand new parking lot and sidewalks! Thank you to the crews of Alexander Bebout for braving the cold and working at a rapid pace to get this work completed before forced to stop due to the elements.

The 25th Annual Artists’ Exhibit and Sale opened on Saturday, Nov. 15.  The following artists received awards for their work.

Van Wert County Foundation Award
Debbie Gregory of St. Mary’s, “Sunrise Reflection”

Mary McVay Worthington Memorial Award

William John of Lima,  “Black Mountain Man”

Douglas Koch Memorial Award
Richard Morgan of Wauseon, “Hanging in the Balance”

Gertrude Sluterbeck Memorial Award

Caroline Stachera of Fort Wayne, “Taking A Break”

Clyde Wallace Memorial Award
John Freund of  Van Wert, “Autumn Leaves”

Director’s Award
Richard Morgan of Wauseon,  “Autumn Sun”

Merit Awards
Pat Rayman of Ohio City,  “Closed ”
William Hawkins of Van Wert, “Santa Cookie Jar”
Ann Dysinger of Grover Hill, “What Do You Mean, “Your Chair”?”
Jaye Bumbaugh of Lima, “Stingray”

Honorable Mention
Robert Vegler of  Fort Wayne, “Deep Sea”
John Stachera of Fort Wayne,  “The Ski Shed”
Kay Sluterbeck of Van Wert, “Home Sweet Home”
KS Funderburg  of Bryan, “Ripe”

The 25^th Annual Artists’ Exhibit & Sale is a wonderful opportunity to shop for the holidays, we have everything from photography, pottery, paintings, one-of-a-kind stuffed animals, jewelry, shadow boxes and scarves. This is not only a great way to support local folk but a wonderful way to show loved ones how much you appreciate them by gifting the

unexpected. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 1–5 p.m. This exhibit will be on view until December 19. We are also known to have a little spiced cider to warm you up.

ArtReach Classes have resumed and the smell of popcorn fills the gallery a lot more often these days. Tuesday’s class for ages 7-11 is currently full but if your young Picasso would like a space give us a call and we can put you on a waiting list. Openings occur often. We do still have space in our Thursday class for slightly older artists. Give us a call to explore this option.

Our Vine & Palette sessions are taking a bit of a winters nap and will reconvene on Thursday, January 8 from 6:30–9 p.m. Always popular, Vine & Palettes fill up quickly. The event includes all painting materials and first glass of wine. Participants may bring a snack to share if they wish. We even provide aprons, because like to get messy! The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Did you know you can design and schedule private, parties for kids and corporate Vine & Palette events? Give us a call to find out more.

Watercolor Techniques class continues on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. This is an ongoing class is taught by Pat Rayman. People are encouraged to jump in anytime and the class is sold in monthly increments. $35 for members and $40 for non-members.

The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 214 South Washington Street (former Van Wert Armory). We can be reached by telephone at of 419.238.6837, email of info@wassenbergartcenter.org and our website is of wassenbergartcenter.org.